Galatasaray vs Hatayspor Prediction: Gala Aiming To Start Title Defense On A Positive Note

Galatasaray will welcome Hatayspor to the RAMS Park in the first round of the Turkish Super Lig. 

Let's have a look at the latest Turkish Super Lig predictions between Galatasaray vs. Hatayspor, probable lineups, and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Galatasaray

Galatasaray was involved in one of the most competitive title races in the previous Turkish Super Lig season. However, they managed to shake off the threat of their arch-rivals Fenerbahce by finishing three points clear at the top of the standings. This was their second consecutive league title and their 24th overall. 

Gala failed to begin the new season with a prestigious trophy as they suffered a shock 5-0 defeat to Besiktas at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium on Sunday. This was to be expected considering their poor showing in the preseason fixtures, where they won just two of their last five matches (L3).

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Muslera; Ayhan, Sanchez, Bardakci, Kohn; Torreira, Demirbay; Ziyech, Mertens, Akturkoglu; Icardi

Hatayspor

Hatayspor, on the other hand, had a dismal campaign, finishing in 15th place with 41 points. However, their final day heroics from last season deserve recognition, defeating Rizespor 2-0 at home to miraculously avoid being relegated to the second tier. This saw them maintain a one-point cushion over the relegation zone. 

In preparation for the current season, the Star of the South wasn't involved in any pre-season games. However, that won't deter them from making a strong start against a wounded side. The only notable change made to the team has been the departure of their star-studded player, Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), who scored eight goals in 36 matches under the guidance of current coach Ozhan Pulat. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Kardesler; Corekci, Yilmaz, Kilama, Sertel; Massanga, Diack, Saglam; Bamgboye, Strandberg, Okoronkwo

Match Facts

• Galatasaray are currently on a two-match losing streak across all competitions.
• Hatayspor have failed to win their last seven away matches in the Super Lig, a run that extends to the previous season.
• Galatasaray averages 2.5 goals per game when playing at home, and Hatayspor averages 1.3 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last 11 meetings, Galatasaray have won six times, Hatayspor have won four times, and there have been one draw, with the goal difference being 21-15 in favor of Galatasaray. 

Expert Betting Tips

Galatasaray aim to start their title defense on a positive note and put their morale-sapping defeat to Besiktas on Sunday in the Turkish Super Cup behind them. Gala has won four consecutive home matches against Hatayspor, and we anticipate this trend to continue. 

Hatayspor were poor on the road in the previous season, amassing 13 points from 19 matches, and were ranked the fourth-worst team in the league. Their struggles are expected to continue once again this season.

Considering that Galatasaray boast a superior squad at their disposal, support them to easily win both halves and secure their first three points of the season.

• Galatasaray To Win Both Halves - Yes for 2.38
• Anytime Goalscorer - Mauro Icardi for 1.66
• Handicap 1 (-1.5) for 1.71